Cedric Lee denies abusing Vhong's sex organ, 'mafia' link

by David Dizon, ABS-CBNnews.com

MANILA - Businessman Cedric Lee on Tuesday said at least two videos will exonerate him from allegations that he and model/stylist Deniece Cornejo conspired to blackmail actor Vhong Navarro by accusing him of attempted rape.

In an interview with radio DZMM, Lee again answered questions surrounding the mauling of Navarro inside Cornejo's condo unit at The Fort last January 22, Wednesday.

Lee denied that he took a video of Navarro's private parts after they allegedly caught the actor trying to rape Cornejo. He said he and his friend, Zimmer Raz, did not abuse Navarro's private parts.

Navarro earlier told "Buzz ng Bayan" that he was beaten up and threatened by Lee's group after he visited Cornejo last Wednesday.

The actor said he went to Cornejo's place upon the girl's invitation and was surprised that 6-7 men ganged up on him and beat him up. He said the group threatened to kill his family and said he should pay up to P2 million.

For his part, Lee did not deny that he and Raz beat up Navarro but said it was only because Navarro kept fighting back and trying to escape.

The businessman said Navarro begged Cornejo not to file charges against him since it would ruin his showbiz career. He said Navarro offered to pay for the damages to Cornejo's condo unit but no amount was discussed.

Lee denied Navarro's claim that he was forced to sign the blotter under duress. He said a photo of Navarro at the police station at the time of the filing in the police blotter showed that he was not being threatened or tortured.

Why blackmail Vhong?

He also rejected Navarro's claim of blackmail, saying that it would be illogical to try to extort P1 million to P2 million from the actor when he is so popular.

He said it was Navarro who offered to pay for the damage to Cornejo's condo unit as long as she did not file a case against him.